DJ Woodtronic Knows a Good Oddity When He Sees One, and He Sees Plenty in DFW

Known for his sophistication as a DJ, Reid Robinson (a.k.a. Woodtronic) gets groovy, laid back gigs spinning at spots like the Perot Museum and outdoor shows in Dallas Arts District. Not to say he can't pump (and punk) it up if needed...you can also see him spinning pretty regularly at skate bouts for Assassination City Roller Derby. Even better known as a radio personality at KNON 89.3 FM, as part of Tuesday's Sonic Assembly Power Hour, Robinson has also worked as a recording engineer for some TV/film projects, played with a couple local bands, held a marketing gig at Apple for bit and grew up with a father who was a bit of a hotshot at Capitol Records back in the day. Even more fascinating are the things Robinson has seen in his local arts adventures about town. So, let's attempt to get to the bottom of the very non-boring DJ Woodtronic.

So much to pick your brain about. But I can't wait to ask you about some of the more odd and surreal things you've witnessed at all the gigs and shows you've been to. It's some of the most fascinating answers I've ever heard here. For starters, tell us about Mr. Peppermint's performance!
Well, Mark Ridlen and myself produced a Tiki-Meets-Texas compilation in 2003 called Texotica, and one of the most surreal moments I've ever witnessed was Mr. Peppermint [Of Captain Kangaroo fame, father to Butthole Surfer Gibby Haynes] performing "Yellowbird" with a coconut-clad go-go dancer.

Wow. More, please. You've seriously got our attention.
Probably one of the oddest gigs I've played was the Flamingo Hotel with my old band Shanghai 5, between Wayne Newton and JJ "Dy-no-mite" Walker. Next on the bucket list would be spinning a party for David Lynch, who was in attendance for AFI Dallas Film Festival, and he stood there and talked with me about music for quite a while. Although it's not local, I highly recommend David Lynch's first solo record Crazy Clown Time!

Nice. So, one of my favorite questions to ask here is about musical background in your childhood. Your answer is, again, definitely one of the most interesting I've heard.
You mean my Dad? He was the Southwest marketing guy for Capitol Records from the late '60s to the mid 70's. He got to represent Brian Wilson, Lou Rawls, Buck Owens, Wings, Ike & Tina Turner Revue and Wayne Newton.

That's amazing for a kid to grow up around. It didn't stop there, did it? Mom played a lot of music at home?
Soundtracks, Exotica, jazz, funk and comedy records were always on the hi-fi console. And Soul Train was a Saturday afternoon staple with my mom! I was barely in big boy pants, and the dye was cast after staying up late with my dad watching The Midnight Special with bands like Blondie, The Cars, David Bowie, Roxy Music, Kraftwerk, War, ELO, and New York Dolls. We also went to a lot of live shows, jazz festivals, and local music concerts.

And you're carrying on the music bloodline to your own, I understand?
I am! I'm now the dad of a four-year old boy who loves music, who claims he's going to start a band called Toy Division when he's six or seven.

princesscowboy, I think it was an editorial error. I actually knew Jerry Hayes and never heard about any connections with Captain Kangaroo other than being in some of the same markets, with Mr. Peppermint usually winning in ratings. He was a wonderful person, Dallas icon, and beloved by many. Was sad about his passing, and really wish Peppermint Place was available in syndication or DVDhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxQMaEWoZdQ

Getting the late great Jerry Haynes' cooperation in letting us produce his version of 'Yellow Bird' was a dream come true. For the Texotica CD release party I also had him sing and play guitar over a karaoke version of 'Pepper'. I know there's video of that out there somewhere...